Use of offline algorithm to determine location from previous sensor data when location is requested

ABSTRACT

Examples describe systems and methods for iteratively determining a signal strength map for a wireless access point (AP) aligned to position coordinates. An example method includes receiving logs of data from devices. For a plurality of iterations, the method includes selecting a set of logs of data having an amount of GPS being less than a given amount of GPS in a previously selected set, determining estimates of signal strength maps for the wireless AP aligned to position coordinates based on the selected set and on given signal strength maps due to a previous iteration, and performing a simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) optimization of the possible locations of the wireless AP based on the given signal strength maps and the estimates of the signal strength maps. Based on the iterative optimizations, an output signal strength map is provided for the wireless AP aligned to position coordinates.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to U.S. provisional patentapplication No. 62/032,272 filed on Aug. 1, 2014, the entire contents ofwhich are herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Unless otherwise indicated herein, the materials described in thissection are not prior art to the claims in this application and are notadmitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.

In addition to having advanced computing and connectivity capabilitiesto facilitate high-speed data communication, many modern computingdevices include a variety of sensors. For example, computing devices,such as smartphones, tablets, wearable computing devices, other types ofmobile computing devices, and the like, are often equipped with sensorsfor imaging, positioning, and relative motion determination. A fewexamples of sensors that may be found in a computing device includeaccelerometers, gyroscopes, global positioning systems (GPSs),compasses, microphones, cameras, Wi-Fi sensors, magnetic sensors, andbarometric pressure sensors, among other types of sensors.

Applications that are configured to operate on a computing device maytake advantage of the variety of available sensors to perform variousfunctions. As an example, many applications take advantage ofpositioning sensors available on a computing device to determine alocation of the computing device. The location of the computing devicecan be determined, for example, using many different techniquesincluding based either on Global Positioning System (GPS) data or ondata associated with a wireless access point, such as a cellular basestation or an 802.11 access point. For example, a mobile computingdevice may receive a GPS signal and responsively determine its positionon the face of the Earth (e.g. an absolute location). In a differentexample, a mobile computing device may receive a signal from either acellular base station or an 802.11 access point. Based on the locationof either the cellular base station or an 802.11 access point, themobile computing device can calculate its position. Within someinstances, a localization of a mobile computing device may occur via useof data from multiple different networks.

Generally, location-based services are accessible through a mobilecomputing device based on determining the location of the mobilecomputing device. A few of the most common mobile location-basedservices include mapping, navigation, and searching for nearbyrestaurants or stores. As another example, some mobile applicationstrack health and fitness information using sensors of a mobile computingdevice. Other applications use sensors in mobile computing devices tofacilitate monitoring environmental conditions. The applicationsdescribed above are just a few of the many examples of applications thatutilize sensors of a mobile device.

SUMMARY

In one example, a method is provided that comprises determining sensordata at a plurality of intervals over a time period. In this example,determining the sensor data includes using one or more sensors and asensor processor of a mobile device while a main application processorof the mobile device is in an inactive state in relation to determiningthe sensor data. Generally, the sensor processor is configured todetermine the sensor data using less power than the main applicationprocessor is configured to use to determine the sensor data. The methodalso includes storing the sensor data in memory of the mobile device asthe sensor data is determined, and receiving, by the main applicationprocessor, a request to determine a geographic location of the mobiledevice. Further, the method includes, in response to receiving therequest, performing, by the main application processor, a simultaneouslocalization and mapping (SLAM) algorithm optimization using the storedsensor data all at once to determine the geographic location of themobile device.

In another example, a computer readable memory having stored thereininstructions, that when executed by a computing device, cause thecomputing device to perform functions is provided. The functionscomprise determining sensor data at a plurality of intervals over a timeperiod. In this example, determining the sensor data includes using oneor more sensors and a sensor processor while a main applicationprocessor is in an inactive state in relation to determining the sensordata. Generally, the sensor processor is configured to determine thesensor data using less power than the main application processor isconfigured to use to determine the sensor data. The functions alsoinclude storing the sensor data in memory as the sensor data isdetermined, and receiving, by the main application processor, a requestto determine a geographic location associated with the stored sensordata. Further, the functions include, in response to receiving therequest, performing, by the main application processor, a simultaneouslocalization and mapping (SLAM) algorithm optimization using the storedsensor data all at once to determine the geographic location associatedwith the stored sensor data.

In still another example, a system is provided that comprises one ormore processors, and data storage configured to store instructions that,when executed by the one or more processors, cause the system to performfunctions. The functions comprise determining sensor data at a pluralityof intervals over a time period. In this example, determining the sensordata includes using one or more sensors and a sensor processor while amain application processor is in an inactive state in relation todetermining the sensor data. Generally, the sensor processor isconfigured to determine the sensor data using less power than the mainapplication processor is configured to use to determine the sensor data.The functions also include storing the sensor data in memory as thesensor data is determined, and receiving, by the main applicationprocessor, a request to determine a geographic location associated withthe stored sensor data. Further, the functions include, in response toreceiving the request, performing, by the main application processor, asimultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) algorithm optimizationusing the stored sensor data all at once to determine the geographiclocation associated with the stored sensor data.

In yet another example, a system is provided that comprises a means fordetermining sensor data at a plurality of intervals over a time periodwhile a main application processor is in an inactive state in relationto determining the sensor data. In this example, the means fordetermining sensor data is configured to determine the sensor data usingless power than the main application processor is configured to use todetermine the sensor data. The system also includes means for storingthe sensor data in memory as the sensor data is determined, and meansfor receiving a request to determine a geographic location associatedwith the stored sensor data. Further, the system includes means for, inresponse to receiving the request, performing a simultaneouslocalization and mapping (SLAM) algorithm optimization using the storedsensor data all at once to determine the geographic location associatedwith the stored sensor data.

These as well as other aspects, advantages, and alternatives, willbecome apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by reading thefollowing detailed description, with reference where appropriate to theaccompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates an example mobile device.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example method in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 3A-3B are example conceptual illustrations of discounting aportion of sensor data.

FIGS. 4A-4B are example conceptual illustrations of discounting aportion of sensor data.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of an example method of generating processedsensor data.

FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example computingdevice used in a computing system that is arranged in accordance with atleast some embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description describes various features andfunctions of the disclosed systems and methods with reference to theaccompanying figures. In the figures, similar symbols identify similarcomponents, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative systemand method embodiments described herein are not meant to be limiting. Itmay be readily understood that certain aspects of the disclosed systemsand methods can be arranged and combined in a wide variety of differentconfigurations, all of which are contemplated herein.

I. Overview

Using a main application processor of a computing device (e.g., a mobilecomputing device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or wearable computingdevice) for location computation can drain a device battery relativelyquickly. This may especially be the case if the main applicationprocessor is used continuously or even periodically to compute andupdate the location. Further, common location computations using GPSsignals, for example, may be inaccurate or even unavailable in somesituations, such as indoors. Location computations may also take arelatively long time (e.g., 10 seconds or longer), which may result in aless than ideal user experience when the user (directly or indirectly)requests the device to determine the location. Illustratively, the usercan directly request the location by opening a map application, and theuser can indirectly request the location by entering a search query thatmay be based, at least in part, on a current location (such as may bethe case when requesting a search for nearby restaurants, grocerystores, or another point of interest). Other examples of requests todetermine the location are also possible.

In an example of the present disclosure, a main application processorperforms a location computation using an algorithm that fuses a varietyof different sensor data to more accurately and quickly determine thelocation. Such sensor data may relate to user step detection, deviceorientation detection, Wi-Fi scans, GPS signals, Bluetooth Low Energy(BLE) scans, magnetic field measurements, and/or barometer readings, forexample. One such algorithm that the main application processor may useis GraphSLAM, which is a simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM)algorithm.

Further, sensor circuitry can be used to collect and batch sensor dataperiodically over time and the batched sensor data can then be used inorder to improve the accuracy and speed of the GraphSLAM algorithm tooptimize a location determination. For instance, the sensor circuitrymay include sensor chips (e.g., an integrated circuit, a microprocessor,or other signal processing components) and one or more sensors (e.g., anaccelerometer, a gyroscope sensor, a global positioning system (GPS), aWi-Fi sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor or othermagnetometer, or other types of sensors). The sensor chips or processorsmay control different sensors to collect sensor data at differentintervals over a time period, for instance, step events can be detectedcontinuously, orientation can be detected at a frequency of about 5 Hz(about every 0.2 seconds), magnetic field measurements can be made at afrequency of about 5 Hz, barometer readings can be taken at a frequencyof about 5 Hz, Wi-Fi signals can be scanned every 10 seconds (about 0.1Hz), BLE signals can be scanned every 10 seconds, and GPS readings canbe collected continuously or generally when available.

While the sensor circuitry acquires the sensor data, the mainapplication processor may remain in a sleep state or inactive state inrelation to acquiring or determining the sensor data. Although, itshould be understood that the main application processor may be used forother processes while the sensor circuitry acquires the sensor data.Because the sensor circuitry typically consumes less power than the mainapplication processor were to consume to determine sensor data, allowingthe main application processor to remain in an inactive state inrelation to acquiring sensor data may help conserve battery life of thedevice.

Generally, collecting sensor data in the background may provideapplications of the device with access to a series of sensor data over arecent time period. Such sensor data may provide useful contextinformation about a recent state of the device or behavior of a user ofthe device. For instance, analyzing stored location data, such as GPSlogs, logs of nearby wireless access points, or pedestrian deadreckoning (PDR) data, may allow a location determination algorithm toquickly determine an estimate of the geographic location of the mobiledevice based on a path of the mobile device over a recent time period(e.g., the past thirty seconds, five minutes, etc.).

More particularly, in an aspect of the present disclosure, if anapplication on the device requests the location to be determined, themain application processor may then responsively request recentlybatched sensor data over a time period, and perform the GraphSLAMalgorithm to determine the location by simultaneously using the batchedsensor data all at once to optimize the computations (although perhapsthrough a plurality of iterations). Such an algorithm that usesdifferent stored sensor data together all at once to optimize locationcomputations is referred to generally herein as an offline algorithm. Anonline algorithm, such as a Kalman filter, does not require the use ofstored sensor data, but operates generally continuously as new data isreceived to update a result of the algorithm. In other words, an onlinealgorithm generally processes input (e.g., sensor data) piece-by-piecein a serial fashion in an order that the input is provided to thealgorithm, and an offline algorithm generally is provided with an entirebatch of inputs (e.g., stored sensor data over a time period) andprocesses the batch of inputs together at once (although perhaps througha plurality of iterations) to optimize a result.

In an example of the present disclosure, the main application processorcan execute the offline GraphSLAM algorithm using the stored, historicsensor data in order to determine the location at different intervalsover the time period. This historic location data can be used for avariety of applications, such as to assist a user to determine wherethey parked their car. The use of historic or batched sensor data overthe time period may also be beneficial because a location determinationalgorithm generally is more accurate when processing changing data overtime. When using a conventional online algorithm, however, this may notbe the case if the algorithm were to process data from the time of thelocation request and onward, because users may have the tendency torequest the location, and then to stop and wait for the determinedlocation.

Accordingly, this disclosure relates to, inter alia, methods and systemsfor efficiently acquiring and batching sensor data using a mobiledevice, and then using the batched sensor data all at once in an offlinealgorithm to optimize a relatively immediate and accurate locationdetermination. In addition to the above description, in some instances,sensor data may be acquired using a sensor processor and stored in oneor more first-in, first-out (FIFO) queues. In some examples, if sensordata is not subsequently requested by the main application processor,the sensor processor may be configured to discount or replace stalesensor data. For instance, if the main application processor remainsinactive and the sensor data is not requested within a certain amount oftime, the sensor processor may overwrite the stored sensor data. Inanother instance, the sensor processor may discount or replace thestored sensor data when one or more of the FIFO queues are filled, suchthat additional sensor data may be acquired and stored.

Further, the computing device may present a map on a display, and showthe device location on the map, or otherwise generate information andinstructions for providing such a display. The location of the devicemay also be used in location-based services, such as to narrow anInternet search to an area that is nearby the client device location, topersonalize “local” news and/or weather updates or information sent tothe device, to direct emergency calls (e.g., 911 call-services) to anappropriate or closest call handling service, and the like.

II. Example Systems and Devices

Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates an example mobiledevice 100. The mobile device 100 may represent any type of mobilecomputing device. By way of example, the mobile device 100 may be amobile phone. However, the example is not meant to be limiting. In otherinstances, the mobile device 100 may be a laptop computer, tablet,wearable computing device, or other type of computing device.

As shown in FIG. 1, the mobile device 100 may include a main applicationprocessor 102, sensor circuitry, which is illustrated as including oneor more sensor processors 104 and one or more sensors 106, and a memory108. The main application processor 102 and the one or more sensorprocessors 104 may be any type of processor, such as a microprocessor,digital signal processor, multicore processor, and the like, coupled tothe memory 108.

Additionally, the one or more sensor processors 104 may be configured toutilize the one or more sensors 106 to acquire and store sensor datausing less power than the main application processor 102 consumes whenutilizing the one or more sensors 106 to acquire and store sensor data.For instance, the one or more sensor processors 104 may be configured totransition from inactive or idle states to active states more quicklythan the main application processor 102, allowing the one or more sensorprocessors 104 to consume less average power when periodically using theone or more sensors 106 to acquire sensor data.

In one example, any of the one or more sensor processors 104 may be aprocessor that is a component of a sensor. For instance, a givenprocessor of the one or more sensor processors 104 may be a processorthat is part of an accelerometer chip. Further, any of the one or moresensor processors 104 may be a dedicated sensor processor that isconfigured to acquire and store data using multiple sensors of the oneor more sensors 106.

In one embodiment, the mobile device 100 may include a large system on achip (SoC) having a main application processor as well as a moreefficient, smaller, sensor processor. In another embodiment, the one ormore sensor processors 104 may be a low-power core that is a componentof the main application processor 102. For instance, the mainapplication processor 102 may be a multi-core processor and a given coreof the multi-core processor may be reserved for use as a sensorprocessor.

The one or more sensors 106 may include any of a variety of types ofanalog and/or digital sensors. For instance, the one or more sensors 106may include one or any combination of a GPS, a Wi-Fi sensor, agyroscope, a compass, an accelerometer, a barometer or other type ofpressure sensor, an ambient light sensor, a microphone, a camera, and/ora magnetic sensor, among other types of sensors. In one example, theWi-Fi sensor may be configured to scan for available wireless accesspoints within a wireless range of the mobile device by broadcasting oneor more probe requests.

The memory 108 may be any type of memory, such as volatile memory likerandom access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), staticrandom access memory (SRAM), or non-volatile memory like read-onlymemory (ROM), flash memory, magnetic or optical disks, or compact-discread-only memory (CD-ROM), among other devices used to store data orprograms on a temporary or permanent basis. Although the memory 108 isshown as a single component, in other examples, the mobile device mayinclude multiple memories (not shown). For example, the main applicationprocessor 102 may be coupled to a first memory and the one or moresensor processors 104 may be coupled to a second memory. In such anexample, the main application processor 102 may retrieve data stored inthe second memory by requesting the data from the one or more sensorprocessors 104.

The memory may include one or more FIFO queues 110 and one or morelocation-determination algorithms 112. Each of the one or more FIFOqueues 110 may be implemented in the form of a set of read and writepointers, data storage, and control logic. For instance, the datastorage may be SRAM, flip-flops, latches or any other suitable form ofstorage, and the control logic may specify how the one or more sensorprocessors 104, and optionally the main application processor 102, mayread/write to the date storage.

In one example, the one or more sensor processors 104 may be configuredto determine sensor data using the one or more sensors 106 on aninterval basis. As an example, the one or more sensor processors 104 mayacquire data using each of the one or more sensors 106 once per second,multiple times per second, once per minute, multiple times per minute,etc. However, in other examples, each of the one more sensors 106 may beused to acquire data at different respective intervals. For instance,the one or more sensor processors 104 may be configured to acquiresensor data using a GPS once per minute, acquire sensor data using anaccelerometer once every tenth of a second, and acquire sensor datausing a Wi-Fi sensor once every two minutes. The one or more sensorprocessors 104 may also be configured to store the acquired sensor datainto one or more FIFO queues as the sensor data is determined.

The one or more sensor processors 104 may be configured to determine thesensor data while the main application processor is inactive and themobile device is in a sleep mode. For example, the one or more sensorprocessors 104 may be configured to acquire sensor data using the one ormore sensors 104 without requiring that the main application processorbe transitioned into an active state. In one instance, the one or moresensor processors 104 may be configured to acquire sensor data withouthaving an application of the mobile device specifically requesting thatsensor data be acquired.

In some examples, the one or more sensor processors 104 may also beconfigured to discount a portion of the sensor data that is stored in agiven FIFO queue of the one or more FIFO queues 110 when the given FIFOqueue is full, such that additional sensor data for a subsequentinterval may be stored into the given FIFO queue. By way of example, ifa sensor processor is configured to acquire sensor data using anaccelerometer once every tenth of a second and to store the sensor datain a FIFO queue that can hold three thousand data elements, the FIFOqueue may be full after storing five minutes of sensor data. Tofacilitate storing subsequently acquired sensor data, the sensorprocessor may be configured to erase or condense the stored sensor data,as is further described below with reference to FIGS. 3A-4B.

In one instance, the one or more sensor processors 104 may be configuredto continuously acquire the sensor data and store the acquired sensordata into the one or more FIFO queues 110. In another instance, the oneor more sensor processors 104 may be configured to acquire sensor datafor a predetermined length of time in response to receiving a requestfrom the main application processor 102. For example, the one or moresensor processors 104 may receive data from the main applicationprocessor 102 indicating a request to acquire and store sensor data fora period of five minutes. In still another instance, the one or moresensor processors 104 may be configured to acquire and store sensor dataat regular scheduled times. For example, the one or more sensorprocessors 104 may be configured to acquire and store sensor databetween the hours of 8 AM and 10 AM and between the hours of 4 PM and 6PM every day, or between the hours of 8 AM and 8 PM every day.

In some instances, the one or more sensor processors 104 may also beconfigured to process data received from one or a combination of the oneor more sensors 106, and store the processed sensor data in the one ormore FIFO queues. For example, a given sensor processor may beconfigured to fuse sensor data from at least two of the one or moresensors 106 to determine an output, and store the determined output in aFIFO queue.

The main application processor 102 may also be configured to retrievesensor data for a recent time period in some examples. For instance, themain application processor 102 may be configured to receive a request todetermine a geographic location of the mobile device 100. In response toreceiving the request to determine the location, main applicationprocessor 102 may be configured to retrieve the sensor data for therecent time period from the one or more FIFO queues. In one example, themain application processor 102 may retrieve all of the sensor datestored in the one or more FIFO queues.

As an example, the main application processor 102 may receive a requestto determine a geographic location, and the processor may thenresponsively retrieve any available sensor data that is stored in memory(e.g., GPS and Wi-Fi sensor data for the past thirty seconds). Therequest may be received from an application of the mobile device 100that estimates a geographic location of the mobile device 100, forinstance. Upon receiving the request and retrieving the GPS and Wi-Fisensor data from one or more FIFO queues, the main application processor102 may then estimate a geographic location of the mobile device 100using the retrieved sensor data.

In one example, the memory 108 may store one or morelocation-determination algorithms that the main application processor102 may execute to estimate the geographic location of the mobile device100. For instance, the main application processor 102 may use alocation-determination algorithm to determine a location of the mobiledevice 100 based on the presence and/or location of one or more knownwireless access points within a wireless range of the mobile device 100.In one example, the retrieved sensor data may include data indicating anidentity of one or more wireless access points (e.g., a MAC address) andintensity of signals received (e.g. received signal strength indication)from each of the one or more wireless access points at various timeinstances over a period of time. The received signal strength indication(RSSI) from each unique wireless access point may be used to determine adistance from each wireless access point. The distances may then becompared to a database that stores information regarding where eachunique wireless access point is located. Based on the distance from eachwireless access point, and the known location of each wireless accesspoint, a location estimate of the mobile device 100 may be determinedfor each time instance over the period of time.

In another example, the retrieved sensor data may include dataindicating a fingerprint based on a pattern of signals received from oneor more wireless access points. The main application processor 102 mayexecute a location-determination algorithm that involves comparing thefingerprint to one or more known calibration points for which ageographic location is known. Various deterministic algorithms, such asnearest neighbor in signal space (NNSS), k-nearest neighbor (KNN), andweighted k-nearest neighbor (WKNN), may be used to determine a closestcalibration point to the fingerprint. Probabilistic methods may also beused to determine a most likely location based on a relationship betweenthe fingerprint and known calibration points.

In another instance, the main application processor 102 may use alocation-determination algorithm to determine a location of the mobiledevice 100 based on nearby cellular base stations. For example, theretrieved sensor data may identify the cell from which the mobile device100 last received a signal from a cellular network at a given time. Inan example in which the one or more sensors 106 include a cellular radiocommunication component, the cellular radio communication component maybe configured to measure a round trip time (RTT) to a base stationproviding the signal. Thus, the retrieved sensor data may also include aRTT. In such an example, the main application processor 102 may becaused to combine this information with the identified cell to determinea location estimate.

As disclosed herein, the main application processor 102 may estimate alocation of the mobile device 100 by optimizing a location-determinationalgorithm that uses a combination of sensor data from the one or moresensors 106 all at once to estimate the location. For example, thecombination of sensor data may include data from a Wi-Fi sensor, GPS,cellular radio communication component, accelerometer, gyroscope, ormagnetometer, and the processor 102 may use this and other data, such asdead reckoning data, to estimate the location of the mobile device 100.Such an optimization of the location-determination algorithm isgenerally known as an offline algorithm optimization.

Further, the main application processor 102 may also use the determinedlocation to present a map on a display, and show a device location onthe map, or otherwise generate information and instructions forproviding such a display. The location of a device may also be used inlocation-based services, such as to narrow an Internet search to an areathat is nearby the device location, to personalize “local” news and/orweather updates or information sent to the device, to direct emergencycalls (e.g., 911 call-services) to an appropriate or closest callhandling service, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 1, each of the main application processor 102, one ormore sensor processors 104, one or more sensors 106, and memory 108 maybe coupled together by one or more system buses, networks, or otherconnection mechanisms 114.

In some implementations, the mobile device 100 may include a deviceplatform (not shown), which may be configured as a multi-layered Linuxplatform. The device platform may include different applications and anapplication framework, as well as various kernels, libraries, andruntime entities. In other examples, other formats or systems mayoperate the mobile device 100 as well.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example method 200 for batching sensordata over a time period and using the batched sensor data in an offlinelocation-determination algorithm to estimate or determine a locationassociated with the sensor data. Method 200 shown in FIG. 2 presents anembodiment of a method that could be used or implemented by the mobiledevice 100 of FIG. 1, for example, or more generally by any computingdevice. Method 200 may include one or more operations, processes, oractions as illustrated by one or more of blocks 202-208. Although theblocks are illustrated in a sequential order, these blocks may also beperformed in parallel, and/or in a different order than those describedherein. Also, the various blocks may be combined into fewer blocks,divided into additional blocks, and/or removed based upon the desiredimplementation.

In addition, for the method 200 and other processes and methodsdisclosed herein, the block diagram shows functionality and operation ofone possible implementation of present embodiments. In this regard, eachblock may represent a module, a segment, or a portion of program code,which includes one or more instructions executable by a processor orcomputing device for implementing specific logical functions or steps inthe process. The program code may be stored on any type ofcomputer-readable medium, for example, such as a storage deviceincluding a disk or hard drive. The computer-readable medium may includenon-transitory computer-readable medium, for example, such ascomputer-readable media that stores data for short periods of time likeregister memory, processor cache and random access memory (RAM). Thecomputer-readable medium may also include non-transitory media, such assecondary or persistent long-term storage, like read only memory (ROM),optical or magnetic disks, or compact-disc read only memory (CD-ROM),for example. The computer-readable media may also be any other volatileor non-volatile storage systems. The computer-readable medium may beconsidered a computer-readable storage medium, for example, or atangible storage device.

In addition, for the method 200 and other processes and methodsdisclosed herein, each block in FIG. 2 may represent circuitry that iswired to perform the specific logical functions in the process.

At block 202, the method includes determining sensor data using the oneor more sensors at a plurality of intervals over a time period. In oneexample, the one or more sensors may include one or any combination of aGPS, a Wi-Fi sensor, a gyroscope, a compass, an accelerometer, abarometer or other type of pressure sensor, an ambient light sensor, amicrophone, a camera, and/or a magnetic sensor, among other types ofsensors. As discussed, above, the sensor processor may determine sensordata using the one or more sensors at a plurality of intervals. Eachsensor may be used to collect sensor data at the same interval or atdifferent intervals.

Generally, the determination or collection of sensor data can beperformed over any time period, such as five minutes, an hour, a day, aweek, continuously, etc. Further, the sensor processor may be configuredto collect sensor data using less power than the main applicationprocessor would use if it were to determine sensor data. The sensorprocessor may also be configured to collect the sensor data using theone or more sensors while the main application processor is in aninactive state in relation to collecting the sensor data.

In some instances, determining the sensor data using the one or moresensors may involve combining sensor data received from at least two ofthe one or more sensors and/or otherwise processing sensor data receivedfrom one or more sensors. Therefore, in some examples, the determinedsensor data may be processed sensor data rather than raw sensor data.The processing of the data may include fusing a variety of differentsensor data to provide processed sensor data that can be used moreaccurately and quickly determine the location. Such processed sensordata may relate to user step detection, device orientation detection,Wi-Fi scans, GPS signals, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) scans, and/ormagnetic field measurements, for example. The processing of the data maybe performed by the sensor processor. Alternative or in combination, theprocessing of the data may be performed by the main applicationprocessor.

At block 204, the method includes storing the sensor data in memory,such as memory in a mobile device, as the sensor data is determined. Atblock 204, the sensor processor may store the determined sensor datainto one or more FIFO queues of a memory. In one example, sensor datafor each type of sensor used may be stored in a separate FIFO queue. Inanother example, sensor data determined using two or more sensors may bestored within the same FIFO queue. For example, a given FIFO queue maystore both accelerometer data and gyroscope data.

At block 204, the method 200 may include determining, by the sensorprocessor, that a given one of the one or more FIFO queues is full. Inone example, each of the one or more FIFO queues may be implemented as acircular queue having a read address register and a write addressregister. Initially, the read address register and the write addressregister for a given FIFO queue may each point to a first memorylocation. As elements are added to or removed from the circular queue,the positions of the read address register and write address registermay advance around the circular queue. If the write address registerprogresses around the circular queue faster than the read addressregister to a point where the read address register and the writeaddress register point to a common memory location again, the given FIFOqueue is said to be full. Control logic associated with the FIFO maytrigger an indication to the sensor processor that the given FIFO queueis full. Alternatively, the sensor processor may be configured todetermine whether the given FIFO queue is full by reading an “isFull”Boolean parameter.

In one instance, sensor data may remain in the one or more FIFO queuesuntil the sensor data is requested by the main application processor. Ifsensor data for a given FIFO queue is not requested by the mainapplication processor, the given FIFO queue may fill up once the maximumnumber of elements for the given FIFO queue has been reached. At block204, the method 200 may include in response to determining that a givenone of the one or more FIFO queues is full, discounting, by the sensorprocessor, a portion of the sensor data that is stored in the given FIFOqueue, such that additional sensor data for a subsequent interval may bestored in the given FIFO queue. In some examples, if sensor data storedin the given FIFO queue is not subsequently requested by the mainapplication processor, the sensor processor may be configured todiscount the stale sensor data. FIGS. 3A-4B are conceptual illustrationsof discounting a portion of sensor data.

As shown in the conceptual illustration 300A of FIG. 3A, a number “n” ofelements of sensor data may be stored in a FIFO queue 302. Each of theelements of sensor data may have been captured during a time period fromtime “t1” to “tn”. Since the FIFO queue 302 is full, a sensor processormay be configured to discount data stored in the FIFO queue 302 byerasing or removing an element 304 stored at the front of the FIFO queue302. Erasing the element 304 may allow an element 306 of sensor datathat was determined at time “t(n+1)” to be stored in the queue 302. Asshown in the conceptual illustration 300B of FIG. 3B, after the element304 has been erased, the element 306 may be stored at the end of theFIFO queue 302. In other examples, multiple elements from the front ofthe FIFO queue may be erased simultaneously.

In some instances, elements of sensor data may be erased from otherpositions of a FIFO queue. For example, FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate anexample in which a portion of sensor data may be removed from positionsother than the front of a FIFO queue. As shown in the conceptualillustration 400A of FIG. 4A, a number “n” of elements of sensor datamay be stored in a FIFO queue 402. Each of the elements of sensor datamay have been captured during a time period from “t1” to “tn”. Since theFIFO queue 402 is full, a sensor processor may be configured to removemultiple elements 404 of sensor data from the FIFO queue 404.

In one instance, the sensor processor may determine that the elements404 of sensor data are indicative that the mobile device is at rest foran elapsed period of time. For example, if the elements 404 includeaccelerometer readings that are below a threshold, the sensor processormay determine that the elements 404 indicate that the mobile device wasat rest during the elapsed period of time. As another example, if theelements 404 include GPS readings, the sensor processor may determinethat a difference between the GPS readings is below a threshold. In someinstances, the sensor processor may determine that the elements 404 areassociated with sensor data captured when the mobile device was at restbased on a time stamp associated with the elements 404. For example, ifother sensor data stored in a separate FIFO queue includes GPS readingsthat are indicative that the mobile device is at rest during a giventime period, the sensor processor may determine that the elements 404 ofsensor data were also captured during the time period and, as a result,remove the elements 404.

As shown in conceptual illustration 400B of FIG. 4B, after the elements404 have been removed from the FIFO queue 402, the element 406 may bestored at the end of the FIFO queue.

In another example, sensor data that is stored in a FIFO queue may bedownsampled to free up space in the FIFO queue. For example, if a FIFOqueue has a maximum capacity of one hundred elements and the FIFO queueis determined to be full, the sensor processor may remove every otherelement to downsample the sensor data. As a result, the FIFO queue maybe able to store an additional fifty elements of sensor data. In otherinstances, the downsampling may be performed by averaging or otherwisecombining portions of the stored sensor data. For example, a first andsecond element may be averaged and the first and second element may bereplaced by the average, a third and fourth element may be averaged andthe third and fourth element may be replaced by the average, and soforth.

Referring back to FIG. 2, at block 206, the method 200 includesreceiving, by the main application processor, a request to determine ageographic location of the mobile device. Illustratively, the mainapplication processor may receive the request in response to accessingone or more location-based services through the mobile device. Forinstance, a user may access one or more location-based services throughthe mobile device, such as a map application, an internet searchapplication, some other web application, and the like. Other examplesare also possible and contemplated herein.

At block 208, the method includes, in response to receiving the request,the main application processor performing a location algorithmoptimization by using the stored sensor data together all at once todetermine the geographic location and/or map associated with the mobiledevice. As discussed above, such an algorithm that uses different storedsensor data all at once to optimize location computations is referred togenerally herein as an offline algorithm, whereas an online algorithm,such as a Kalman filter, does not require the use of stored sensor data,but operates generally continuously as new data is received to update aresult of the algorithm.

At block 208, the main application processor may perform an offlinesimultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) algorithm or a GraphSLAMalgorithm optimization using stored, historic sensor data in order todetermine the location and map at different intervals over the timeperiod. Generally, each sensor data interval may be associated with aparticular time within the time period, and using the associated timesof each sensor data interval, the GraphSLAM algorithm can be optimizedto track a historic position of the device over the time period. Thishistoric position or location data can be used for a variety ofapplications, such as to assist a user to determine where they parkedtheir car, for example.

Generally, when performing the GraphSLAM algorithm optimization, thebatched sensor data indicates various parameters of where the device(and perhaps a user) moved during a time period. In one example ofGraphSLAM, a trajectory of the device and a map of an environment of thedevice are simultaneously estimated using an iterative approach with anon-linear least squares fit so as to link different sensor data (e.g.,sensor data collected at different times and/or sensor data collected bydifferent sensors) and to determine a state of maximum likelihood. Thestate of maximum likelihood corresponds to the estimated location of thedevice and an estimated map of the environment. The main applicationprocessor uses the estimated location and the estimated map to determinean absolute location of the device (and perhaps a user of the device).At block 208, the main application processor may also perform theoffline GraphSLAM algorithm optimization using a prior determinedlocation and/or a prior determined map, which may have been stored alongwith the historic sensor data at block 206.

In another example, at block 208, the main application processor mayretrieve or access a prior determined map from a database on the deviceand/or on a connected network. If the main application processorretrieves all of the needed map information from the database, theprocessor may perform the optimization at block 208 to determine alocation of the mobile device, rather than to determine a simultaneouslocation and map. If the main application processor retrieves less thanall of the needed map information from the database, the processor mayperform a partial SLAM optimization at block 208 to determine a locationof the mobile device and the remaining map information.

At block 208 (or after block 208), the main application processor mayuse the determined locations to present a map on a display, and show adevice location on the map, or may otherwise generate information andinstructions for providing such a display. The location of a device mayalso be used in location-based services or computer applications, suchas to narrow an Internet search to an area that is nearby the devicelocation, to personalize “local” news and/or weather updates orinformation sent to the client device, to direct emergency calls (e.g.,911 call-services) to an appropriate or closest call handling service,to direct emergency services to help locate the client device in case ofemergency, and the like.

As described generally above, in some examples a sensor processor may beconfigured to process sensor data and store the processed sensor data ina FIFO queue. FIG. 5 is a flow chart of an example method 500 ofgenerating processed sensor data. Method 500 shown in FIG. 5 presents anembodiment of a method that could be used or implemented by the mobiledevice 100 of FIG. 1, for example, or more generally by any computingdevice. Method 500 may include one or more operations, processes, oractions as illustrated by one or more of blocks 502-510. Although theblocks are illustrated in a sequential order, these blocks may also beperformed in parallel, and/or in a different order than those describedherein. Also, the various blocks may be combined into fewer blocks,divided into additional blocks, and/or removed based upon the desiredimplementation.

In addition, for the method 500 and other processes and methodsdisclosed herein, the block diagram shows functionality and operation ofone possible implementation of present embodiments. In this regard, eachblock may represent a module, a segment, or a portion of program code,which includes one or more instructions executable by a processor orcomputing device for implementing specific logical functions or steps inthe process. The program code may be stored on any type ofcomputer-readable medium, for example, such as a storage deviceincluding a disk or hard drive. The computer-readable medium may includenon-transitory computer-readable medium, for example, such ascomputer-readable media that stores data for short periods of time likeregister memory, processor cache and random access memory (RAM). Thecomputer-readable medium may also include non-transitory media, such assecondary or persistent long-term storage, like read only memory (ROM),optical or magnetic disks, or compact-disc read only memory (CD-ROM),for example. The computer-readable media may also be any other volatileor non-volatile storage systems. The computer-readable medium may beconsidered a computer-readable storage medium, for example, or atangible storage device.

In addition, for the method 500 and other processes and methodsdisclosed herein, each block in FIG. 5 may represent circuitry that iswired to perform the specific logical functions in the process. In oneexample, the method 500 is performed by a sensor processor, as describedhereinabove.

As shown in FIG. 5, at block 502, the method 500 may include receiving aposition of a mobile device. For example, a sensor processor of themobile device may receive a geographic estimate of the location of themobile device from a main application processor of the mobile device.

At block 504, the sensor processor may determine sensor data using oneor more sensors of the mobile device. For purposes of illustration,consider an example in which the sensor processor determines sensor datausing an accelerometer and a gyroscope once every tenth of a second. Atblock 506, the sensor processor may fuse the sensor data determinedusing the accelerometer and the gyroscope to determine a change inposition of the mobile device. In one instance, combining the sensordata may involve determining a number of steps that a user of the mobiledevice has taken based on accelerometer readings for a period of twoseconds. Additionally, an average orientation of the mobile device overthe same two-second period may be determined based on sensor data fromthe gyroscope. Based on the number of steps and average orientationduring the number of steps, a change in position may be determined.

At block 508, the sensor processor may update the position of the mobiledevice by advancing the position of the mobile device based on thecalculated change in position of the mobile device. For example, if atblock 506 it is determined that the mobile device has been moved twosteps north, the sensor processor may calculate a position that is twometers north of the position received at block 502. The calculatedposition may then be stored in a FIFO queue at block 510.

Optionally, the method 500 may proceed by looping back through blocks504 to 510 to calculate a new position of the mobile device. During thesubsequent iterations, at block 508, the position of the mobile devicemay be advanced based on the most recent position of the mobile devicethat was stored in the FIFO queue (as opposed to the initial positionreceived at block 502 during the first iteration).

The example method 500 provides one example of a type of sensor fusionthat may be performed, but the example method 500 is not meant to belimiting. Other types of sensor fusion are also contemplated. The fusedsensor data or processed sensor data can then be stored and used at theblock 208 of method 200 to determine a geographic location in responseto a request at block 206.

FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example computingdevice 600 used in a computing system that is arranged in accordancewith at least some embodiments described herein. The computing device600 may be implemented to determine sensor data using one or more sensorprocessors or perform any of the processes and algorithms disclosedherein. In a basic configuration 602, computing device 600 may typicallyinclude one or more processors 610 and system memory 620. A memory bus630 can be used for communicating between the processor 610 and thesystem memory 620. Depending on the desired configuration, processor 610can be of any type including but not limited to a microprocessor (μP), amicrocontroller (μC), a digital signal processor (DSP), or anycombination thereof. A memory controller 615 can also be used with theprocessor 610, or in some implementations, the memory controller 615 canbe an internal part of the processor 610.

Depending on the desired configuration, the system memory 620 can be ofany type including but not limited to volatile memory (such as RAM),non-volatile memory (such as ROM, flash memory, etc.) or any combinationthereof. System memory 620 may include one or more applications 622, andprogram data 624. Application 622 may include an algorithm 623 that isarranged to batch sensor data and process the batched sensor data usingan offline location-determination algorithm, in accordance with thepresent disclosure. Program data 624 may include program information 625that could be directed to any number of types of data. For instance,application 622 may execute an algorithm that is configured to determinesensor data using one or more sensors and store the sensor data into oneor more FIFO queues. In some example embodiments, application 622 can bearranged to operate with program data 624 on an operating system.

Computing device 600 can have additional features or functionality, andadditional interfaces to facilitate communications between the basicconfiguration 602 and any devices and interfaces. For example, datastorage devices 640 can be provided including removable storage devices642, non-removable storage devices 644, or a combination thereof.Examples of removable storage and non-removable storage devices includemagnetic disk devices such as flexible disk drives and hard-disk drives(HDD), optical disk drives such as compact disk (CD) drives or digitalversatile disk (DVD) drives, solid state drives (SSD), and tape drivesto name a few. Computer storage media can include volatile andnonvolatile, non-transitory, removable and non-removable mediaimplemented in any method or technology for storage of information, suchas computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, orother data.

System memory 620 and storage devices 640 are examples of computerstorage media. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to,RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM,digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magneticcassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magneticstorage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store thedesired information and which can be accessed by computing device 600.Any such computer storage media can be part of device 600.

Computing device 600 can also include output interfaces 650 that mayinclude a graphics-processing unit 652, which can be configured tocommunicate to various external devices such as display devices 660 orspeakers via one or more A/V ports 654 or a communication interface 670.The communication interface 670 may include a network controller 672,which can be arranged to facilitate communications with one or moreother computing devices 680 over a network communication via one or morecommunication ports 674. The communication connection is one example ofa communication media. Communication media may be embodied bycomputer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, orother data in a modulated data signal, such as a carrier wave or othertransport mechanism, and includes any information delivery media. Amodulated data signal can be a signal that has one or more of itscharacteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode informationin the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communicationmedia can include wired media such as a wired network or direct-wiredconnection, and wireless media such as acoustic, radio frequency (RF),infrared (IR) and other wireless media.

Computing device 600 can be implemented as a portion of a small-formfactor portable (or mobile) electronic device such as a cell phone, apersonal data assistant (PDA), a personal media player device, awireless web-watch device, a personal headset device, an applicationspecific device, or a hybrid device that include any of the abovefunctions. Computing device 600 can also be implemented as a personalcomputer, including both laptop computer and non-laptop computerconfigurations, or a server.

It should be understood that arrangements described herein are forpurposes of example only. As such, those skilled in the art willappreciate that other arrangements and other elements (e.g. machines,interfaces, functions, orders, and groupings of functions, etc.) can beused instead, and some elements may be omitted altogether according tothe desired results. Further, many of the elements that are describedare functional entities that may be implemented as discrete ordistributed components or in conjunction with other components, in anysuitable combination and location.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, otheraspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes ofillustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scopebeing indicated by the following claims, along with the full scope ofequivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is also to beunderstood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescribing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to belimiting.

Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be madeto the described examples, it is intended that all matters in thepreceding description and shown in the accompanying figures beinterpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Further, it isintended to be understood that the following further describe aspects ofthe present description.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: determining sensor data at aplurality of intervals over a time period, wherein determining thesensor data includes using one or more sensors and a sensor processor ofa mobile device while a main application processor of the mobile deviceis in an inactive state in relation to determining the sensor data,wherein the sensor processor is configured to determine the sensor datausing less power than the main application processor is configured touse to determine the sensor data; storing the sensor data in memory ofthe mobile device as the sensor data is determined; receiving, by themain application processor, a request to determine a geographic locationof the mobile device; and in response to receiving the request,performing, by the main application processor, a simultaneouslocalization and mapping (SLAM) algorithm optimization using the storedsensor data to determine the geographic location of the mobile device.2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the main applicationprocessor performing the SLAM algorithm optimization to determine aplurality of geographic locations of the mobile device over the timeperiod that the sensor data was determined.
 3. The method of claim 1,wherein storing the sensor data includes storing the sensor data in oneor more first-in, first-out (FIFO) queues in the memory of the mobiledevice.
 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising: determining thatone or more elements of the stored sensor data are indicative that themobile device has remained stationary for an elapsed period of time; andoverwriting the determined one or more elements from the one or moreFIFO queues.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more sensorscomprise two or more sensors selected from the group consisting of aglobal positioning system (GPS) sensor, a Wi-Fi sensor, a gyroscope, anaccelerometer, a magnetic sensor, and a pressure sensor.
 6. The methodof claim 1, wherein the stored sensor data includes a plurality ofdifferent sensor data received by a plurality of different sensors. 7.The method of claim 1, wherein the request is received by the mainapplication processor in response to accessing one or morelocation-based services through the mobile device, wherein thelocation-based services include one or more of a map application or aninternet search application.
 8. A non-transitory computer readablemedium having stored therein instructions, that when executed by one ormore processors, cause the one or more processors to perform functionscomprising: determining sensor data at a plurality of intervals over atime period, wherein determining the sensor data includes using one ormore sensors and a sensor processor while a main application processoris in an inactive state in relation to determining the sensor data,wherein the sensor processor is configured to determine the sensor datausing less power than the main application processor is configured touse to determine the sensor data; storing the sensor data in memory asthe sensor data is determined; receiving, by the main applicationprocessor, a request to determine a geographic location associated withthe stored sensor data; and in response to receiving the request,performing, by the main application processor, a simultaneouslocalization and mapping (SLAM) algorithm optimization using the storedsensor data to determine the geographic location associated with thestored sensor data.
 9. The non-transitory computer readable medium ofclaim 8, wherein the functions further comprise performing the SLAMalgorithm optimization to determine a plurality of geographic locationsassociated with the stored sensor data over the time period that thesensor data was determined.
 10. The non-transitory computer readablemedium of claim 8, wherein storing the sensor data includes storing thesensor data in one or more first-in, first-out (FIFO) queues in thememory.
 11. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 10,wherein the functions further comprise determining that one or moreelements of the stored sensor data are indicative that a mobile devicehas remained stationary for an elapsed period of time, and overwritingthe determined one or more elements from the one or more FIFO queues.12. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 8, wherein theone or more sensors comprise two or more sensors selected from the groupconsisting of a global positioning system (GPS) sensor, a Wi-Fi sensor,a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a magnetic sensor, and a pressure sensor.13. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 8, wherein thestored sensor data includes a plurality of different sensor datareceived by a plurality of different sensors.
 14. The non-transitorycomputer readable medium of claim 8, wherein the request is received bythe main application processor in response to accessing one or morelocation-based services through a mobile device, wherein thelocation-based services include one or more of a map application or aninternet search application.
 15. A system comprising: one or moreprocessors; and data storage configured to store instructions that, whenexecuted by the one or more processors, cause the system to performfunctions comprising: determining sensor data at a plurality ofintervals over a time period, wherein determining the sensor dataincludes using one or more sensors and a sensor processor while a mainapplication processor is in an inactive state in relation to determiningthe sensor data, wherein the sensor processor is configured to determinethe sensor data using less power than the main application processor isconfigured to use to determine the sensor data; storing the sensor datain the data storage as the sensor data is determined; receiving, by themain application processor, a request to determine a geographic locationassociated with the stored sensor data; and in response to receiving therequest, performing, by the main application processor, a simultaneouslocalization and mapping (SLAM) algorithm optimization using the storedsensor data to determine the geographic location associated with thestored sensor data.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the functionsfurther comprise performing the SLAM algorithm optimization to determinea plurality of geographic locations associated with the stored sensordata over the time period that the sensor data was determined.
 17. Thesystem of claim 15, wherein storing the sensor data includes storing thesensor data in one or more first-in, first-out (FIFO) queues in the datastorage.
 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the functions furthercomprise determining that one or more elements of the stored sensor dataare indicative that a mobile device has remained stationary for anelapsed period of time, and overwriting the determined one or moreelements from the one or more FIFO queues.
 19. The system of claim 15,wherein the one or more sensors comprise two or more sensors selectedfrom the group consisting of a global positioning system (GPS) sensor, aWi-Fi sensor, a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a magnetic sensor, and apressure sensor.
 20. The system of claim 15, wherein the request isreceived by the main application processor in response to accessing oneor more location-based services through a mobile device, wherein thelocation-based services include one or more of a map application or aninternet search application.